Rawalpindi: New Zealand have cancelled their white-ball tour of Pakistan due to security concerns ahead of the first of three ODIs at Pindi Cricket Ground here on Friday. The Kiwis were visiting Pakistan for the first time in 18 years for a white-ball tour of three ODIs followed by five T20Is in Lahore.
“However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure,” the NZC was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency IANS.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s decision would surely have an impact on England’s tour of Pakistan next month.
According to Daily Mail, the Black Caps did not leave their hotel for the first ODI and no spectators were admitted to the stadium in Rawalpindi after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received security advice.
Prior to the scheduled time of the toss for the ODI, the tourists confirmed that would be returning home before a ball had been bowled.
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 17, 2021
NZ just killed Pakistan cricket 😡😡
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021
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